VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Kyle Edmund beat Spain’s David Ferrer in straight sets to progress to the last 16 in the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.

Kyle Edmund defeats David Ferrer 6-2, 7-6 (5)

The World No.63 and British No.3 Kyle Edmund proved too much for the former World No.3 David Ferrer as he was the better player in a straight sets victory in Vienna. Ferrer had his moments on serve, which proved to be his downfall as he stared into a 0-3 double break deficit in the first set.

Edmund continued to play at a higher level than his opponent. He struck the ball nicely off his forehand side, but played aggressive tennis with a patient approach as he knew the opportunity would present itself if he persevered and remained positive and the opportunities were coming for the Brit.

Edmund took the first set 6-2 and would go on to break the Spaniard’s serve twice in the second set, but his opponent fought back on both occasions and forced a tiebreak. The early lead in the tiebreak proved to be the final straw for Ferrer as Edmund converted his second match point to win his first match in Vienna and his second ever match against Ferrer.

Kyle Edmund vs Dennis Novak H2H: First meeting

The last 16 match is almost the polar opposite in preparation for Edmund. He faces Austrian qualifier Dennis Novak and will go into that match as the favourite, which is very different to how he would have looked at his first round match against Ferrer.

There’s also a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Novak. The Austrian will want to do well and exceed expectations in front of his home crowd. It is not often where you get the benefits of playing at home, so Novak will recognise the importance of the match, so overall, it is a big match for both.

Edmund seems to be building good wins with the help of new coach Fredrik Rosengren and these confidence-building matches will only help him going into the Australian Open and it will also reassure Edmund that he is listening to the right advice from the right people and match wins can only confirm that.